Think Electric vehicles are slow, expensive, or run out of charge too fast? Let’s clear up the biggest myths and set the record straight.

The EV world is filled with rumors, myths, and exaggerated concerns. But as EVs become mainstream, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. We tackle the most persistent misconceptions head-on, backed by real-world data, to reveal what actually matters when considering an EV and what’s just noise.

EVs Still Struggle on Long-Distance Journeys

There was a time when EVs were good only for short city commutes, with limited range that made longer trips nearly impossible. But those days are gone— everything has changed since then.

The most noticeable improvement in EVs over time is their driving range on a single charge. While a 250-mile range used to be considered impressive, modern EV technology has advanced significantly. Today, models like the Lucid Air and even large trucks such as the GMC Sierra EV can achieve over 500 miles of real- world range, making them strong contenders for long-distance travel.

Another major advancement is in recharging speed. Since the early days of EV development, the charging infrastructure has rapidly progressed: EVs began supporting higher peak DC charging speeds, and charging stations became more powerful and widely available. Now, with most new EVs built on 800V platforms capable of over 350 kW DC charging, and ultra-fast chargers spreading globally, it’s fair to say EVs are becoming more convenient than traditional ICE vehicles.

And this is just the beginning, CATL has already introduced a battery that can charge from 20 to 80% in under 5 minutes, faster than refueling with gasoline.

So, in summary, it’s clear that this belief is a myth—today’s electric vehicles can

be even more convenient for long trips than traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Maintenance Costs Are Way Too High

This myth was widespread, as many believed EVs had so much new tech that any breakdown would cost a fortune. There’s some truth in that, but let’s break it down.

Regarding the cost of replacement of the most expensive parts of EV such as battery and electric motors, it may hit your budget, as battery, being the most expensive part of EV can cost you over 50% of cost of your car in worst cases. However, don’t be scared. Most electric vehicles producers are providing 8 years of warranty on battery and powertrain, so if you’re buying a new or even 3-4 years old car, you’ll not have to pay for replacement if something happens.

Another reason EV maintenance costs are often two to three times lower than those of ICE cars is the frequency and cost of service appointments. EVs typically require service every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and these visits are significantly cheaper compared to standard ICE maintenance. Why is that? It comes down to the EV’s simple and highly reliable construction. While internal combustion vehicles need regular oil and filter changes and expensive engine maintenance, EVs generally only require routine checks of the battery and electric motors, along with an occasional cabin filter replacement.

Takes Hours to Fully Recharge

That’s also a myth from the past. Back then, especially with entry-level EVs that lacked fast DC charging support, full recharges could take hours. But is that really still true today?

With the global spread of fast DC chargers and new EVs built on 800V or even higher architectures, charging is now ultra-fast. If your EV supports a peak DC charging speed of at least 250 kW, which has become standard, and you plug into a charger with matching output, you’ll need just 15–20 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. That’s about as long as it takes to refuel a gas car when you include pumping, paying, and walking back to the car. And if 15 minutes still seems too long, just wait, BYD has something exciting coming soon.

Weather Sensitivity Limits EV Usability

What about driving an EV in freezing cold or scorching heat? Does it affect the range, or can EVs even operate properly in extreme conditions? Let’s take a closer look.

Let’s start with the most important point: EVs can easily handle extreme hot or cold weather, and in many cases, they’re even more comfortable than ICE vehicles. Why? Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs don’t need to warm up or cool down their motors before driving. Forget about trying to start your engine multiple times in freezing weather, EVs are ready to go as soon as you sit inside, especially with pre-conditioning systems that let you heat or cool the cabin in advance.

However, it’s important to note that both hot and cold weather can negatively impact your driving range. In winter, the range may drop by as much as 30%. But there’s one innovation that helps reduce this loss: the heat pump. Working like a reverse refrigerator, it captures warmth and delivers it to the cabin heater or removes heat from the battery during hot weather. This can improve range by 8– 10%, which is especially helpful if you live in a region with extreme temperatures.

EVs Struggle With Towing Demands

If you need to tow something with your car, many will tell you to avoid an EV— but should you? Are electric vehicles actually capable of handling towing duties? It’s a great question and one that deserves a closer look.

Most EVs sold in the U.S. are certified for towing, with an average towing capacity of around 3,500 lbs. However, the actual capacity varies by vehicle type. For instance, electric trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, or Chevrolet Silverado EV can tow over 10,000 lbs, which is more than enough for nearly any hauling need.

That said, we must admit that towing, especially with a heavy trailer, can noticeably reduce your EV’s range. So, for now, long trips with heavy towing loads may still be less convenient than with a gasoline vehicle—but this is expected to improve as technology evolves.

EV.com Insight

Today we tried to bust some of the most common EV myths. Now you know that

planning a long trip, driving in freezing conditions, and maintaining your EVaffordably is no longer just a dream, it’s already a reality. This leads to one clear conclusion: now is one of the best times to go electric, as EVs have become more exciting and convenient than gas-powered cars. Explore the best deals across the U.S., find your ideal EV, and leave outdated myths behind.